It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.

                                                                          -Dostoevsky

A little about me:

The official stuff:

I received my BA from the University of Notre Dame and my MA from St. John’s College.  Both of these degrees are in Liberal Studies, an integrated course of study rooted in the Great Books tradition focused on literature and philosophy and a seminar method of teaching and learning. I received my teaching certificate, as well as a Masters degree in Teaching, from Wayne State University. I have been a teacher for nearly 21 years and I love what I do. 

The meaningful stuff:

I believe that books can be more than simply entertaining; at their best, books can be edifying.  Thoughtful reading leads one to make connections within the text and from the text to one’s self; and ultimately, from one’s self to humankind.  Literature allows us to move from the particular to the universal and back again.  It is through the study of great literature that we grapple with what it means to be human, with the bigger questions of life, the world and our place in it. 

The real stuff:

I have a husband and three children, all of whom I adore.  My father and my older brother are my heroes.  I love books and babies, good food and good conversation.  I have frustrated dreams of being a drummer and enjoy listening to music.  I am a sucker for mid-century design, abstract art and Italian sculpture.  I cry at the end of good books and bad movies.  My hobbies include laughing with my siblings, refinishing furniture, teasing my husband, and buying shoes.